Imagine a game so grueling, so dominated by defensive prowess, that it felt more like a heavyweight boxing match than a football game. That's exactly what happened on October 12, 2025, when the Denver Broncos clashed with the New York Jets in London, resulting in a nail-biting 13-11 victory for Denver. But here's where it gets controversial... was this win a testament to the Broncos' strength, or an indictment of the Jets' utter offensive woes?
The scene was set across the pond, but the story was all about the Broncos' relentless pass rush. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain II put it best, saying he felt like a "fan" watching his teammates relentlessly sack Jets quarterback Justin Fields. He added, "It was a pleasure to watch." And sack they did – nine times in total! This constant pressure ultimately sealed the victory for the Broncos, handing the Jets their sixth straight loss of the season.
Bo Nix, the Broncos' quarterback, managed to connect on an early touchdown pass, providing a spark for the Denver offense. Later in the game, veteran kicker Wil Lutz booted a go-ahead field goal through the uprights, which proved to be the decisive score. The Broncos, now sporting a 4-2 record, celebrated their third consecutive win, marking a successful end to their extended road trip that began with a thrilling comeback victory against the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
Linebacker Nik Bonitto, who entered the game as one of the league's leading sack artists, added another sack to his tally, bringing his season total to eight. He emphasized the importance of starting the season strong, stating, "Being able to start 4-2 is a big deal.”
However, the game wasn't without its moments of anxiety for Denver. After conceding a safety in the third quarter, they found themselves trailing the Jets 11-10, despite the Jets' offense struggling to gain any significant yardage (a mere 82 total net yards). Nix, completing 19 of 30 passes for 174 yards, orchestrated a crucial 12-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in Lutz's 27-yard field goal with just over five minutes remaining.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Jets (still searching for their first win) had a chance to salvage the game in the final minutes. Facing a fourth-and-8 from the Denver 44-yard line, head coach Aaron Glenn opted to go for it rather than attempt a long field goal with Nick Folk, who had been perfect on field goals that day. The gamble backfired as Fields was sacked by Jonathon Cooper and Justin Strnad, effectively ending the Jets' hopes. And this is the part most people miss... Was Glenn's decision the right one, considering the circumstances and Folk's success earlier in the game?
Fields endured a miserable performance against the Broncos' defense, completing only nine of 17 passes for a paltry 45 yards. The Jets' passing game was historically bad, finishing with minus-10 net yards – the fewest in franchise history and the fewest allowed by the Broncos in their own history. It was also the worst passing performance in an NFL game since 1998 when Ryan Leaf and the Chargers had minus-19 yards against the Chiefs. "Our passing game was non-existent," Glenn lamented.
Glenn, still seeking his first victory as the Jets' head coach, now finds his team at 0-6, joining the 2020 and 1996 Jets squads with the same unfortunate record.
The Broncos initially took a 10-6 lead in the first quarter. Nix, with a clever pump fake, found a wide-open Nate Adkins for a 16-yard touchdown. The drive was kept alive earlier when Nix connected with Evan Engram on a fourth-and-5 play. Engram ultimately led the Broncos in receiving with five catches for 42 yards.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged the game's imperfections. Denver struggled on third down (5 of 15) and committed six penalties, hindering their offensive flow. "We had a number of errors," Payton admitted. "There will be a lot of us that want to clean some stuff up.”
The Broncos' dominant pass rush, spearheaded by Cooper (two sacks) and Strnad (1 1/2 sacks), added to their league-leading sack total. In stark contrast, the Jets managed only one sack and have recorded a mere four sacks in their last five games.
Adding to the game's bizarre moments, the Jets took an improbable 11-10 lead after a safety in the third quarter, caused by a holding penalty on Quinn Meinerz in the end zone. Another unusual scenario occurred at the end of the first half when the Jets, with the ball near midfield and about 30 seconds remaining, allowed the clock to expire. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson visibly expressed his frustration to Glenn as they headed to the locker room. "I just didn’t know exactly what the plan was," Wilson said, adding, "Once I figured it out, I was disappointed.” Glenn defended his decision, explaining that he didn't want to risk giving the Broncos an opportunity to score before halftime, as the Jets were set to receive the second-half kickoff.
The Jets' offense was anemic in the first half, managing only 32 total net yards – the fewest by any NFL team in the first two quarters this season.
Injuries plagued both teams. Broncos linebacker Garret Wallow was ruled out early in the fourth quarter. Jets receiver Garrett Wilson played through a hip issue (though some observers thought it was a rib injury), while linebackers Cam Jones and Qwan’tez Stiggers also left with hip injuries. Edge rusher Will McDonald IV briefly left the game to be evaluated for a concussion but later returned.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will face another New York team, hosting the Giants at Mile High. The Jets will return home to take on the Carolina Panthers.
So, what are your thoughts on this game? Boldly highlight any point in the article that could spark differing opinions. Don't shy away from asking thought-provoking questions to the audience at the end, encouraging them to voice agreement or disagreement in the comments. Was the Broncos' victory a true display of dominance, or simply a case of the Jets being exceptionally bad? And what about Glenn's coaching decisions – were they justified, or did they contribute to the Jets' demise? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
